Path to Adventure

Frontier Pathways Scenic And Historic Byway

Corridor Management Plan Prepared by Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway, Inc. www.FrontierPathways.org

April 2010

Frontier Pathways Corridor Management Plan

Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway Vision Statement

To share with or interpret for visitors the scenic, historical and recreational assets along the byway route, while balancing the preservation of these assets with the economic development of the region.

January 1995

Frontier Pathways Corridor Management Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1: Introduction …...………………………………………………………. 1 Location and Route ...……..…………………….…………………………….…… 2 Purpose of Plan …..……………………………….…………………………….….. 2 Desired Benefits and Outcomes.…………………………………………………… 2 Section 2: Public Involvement Process ……….………………………………… . 5 Corridor Management Planning Process .……… …………………………………. 5 Ongoing Involvement ..……………………………………………………………. 5 Media Relations ..……………………………………………………………….….. 5 Section 3: Byway Organization, Management, And Partnership Development …………………..……………………………… 6 Byway Organization and Community Leadership ..……………………...... 6 Organizational Structure .……………….………….……………...... 6 Management Approach .……………………………..…………………………...... 6 Administrative Needs ………………………………..………….………………..... 6 Partnerships …………………………………………….……….…………………. 7 Section 4: Byway Organization Vision and Objectives ……….………….……. 8 Vision .…………………………………………………………….…………...... 8 Objectives ……………………………………………………………………….…. 8 Section 5: Corridor Boundaries and Major Land Uses ……………………...... 9 Corridor Boundaries ………………………………………………..……………. … 9 Land Use and Ownership Patterns ……………………………………………….… 9 Section 6: Existing Visitor Services . …………………………………………….. 10 Hospitality and Visitor Information Services .…………………………………….. 10 Support and Emergency Services …………………………………………………. 10 Accessibility .……………………………………………………………………..... 10 Interpretive Services ..………………………………………………...... 10 Section 7: Inventory and Assessment of Intrinsic Qualities …..……………….. 11 Overview .………………………………………………………………………...... 11 Ecosystems …………………………..…………………………………………….. 11 Scenic Resources ….……………………………………………………………...... 13 Natural Resources …………………………………………………………………. 13 Recreation Resources …………………………………………………………… …. 14 Historic Resources …………………………………………………………………. 15 Cultural Resources ……………………………………………………………….... 17

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Section 8: The Visitor Experience ………………………………………………. 18 Visitor Expectations ……………………………………………………………….. 18 Settings and Activities …………………………………………………………….. 18 Enhancing the Visitor Experience ………………………………………………… 20 Section 9: Byway Enhancement Objectives …………………………………….. 21 Enhancement of Existing Resources and Facilities ……………………………….. 21 Future Byway Enhancement ………………………………………………………. 22 Section 10: Byway Resource Protection Program ……………………………… 23 Custer and Pueblo County Land Use Planning ……………………………………. 23 Conservation Easements …………………………………………………………… 23 Fee Simple Acquisitions …………………………………………………………… 23 Design and Development Review …………………………………………………. 23 Protection of Scenic and Natural Resources ………………………………………. 24 Protection of Historic and Cultural Resources ………………………………...... … 24 Protection of Visitor Attractions and Recreation Resources ………………………. 24 Protection Priorities ……………………………………………………………….. 25 Section 11: Signage ……………………………………………………………...... 27 State Byway Signage ………………………………………………………………. 27 Tourist-Oriented Directional Signage ……………………………………………… 27 Interpretive Signage ……………………………………………………………….. 27 Outdoor Advertising Controls ……………………………………………………… 27 Section 12: Transportation and Traffic Safety ………………………………..... 28 Commercial Traffic ………………………………………………………………... 28 Traffic Volumes ………………………………………………………………….... 28 Accident Records ………………………………………………………………….. 28 Access Control and Highway Design Considerations for Pullouts ………………... 29 Highway Design Standards and Conditions ……………………………………….. 29 Maintenance Standards and Responsibilities …………………………………….... 29 Section 13: Interpretive Planning Approach ………………………………….... 30 Overview …………………………………………………………………………… 30 Approach …………………………………………………………………………… 30 Themes …………………………………………………………………………….. 30 Interpretive Opportunities and Challenges ………………………………………… 31

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Section 14: Tourism, Marketing, and Promotion Objectives …………………. 36 Overview ………………………………………………………………………….. 36 Existing Attractions, Activities, and Events ………………………………………. 36 Tourism Development …………………………………………………………….. 36 Business and Economic Development ……………………………………………. 37 Frontier Pathways Image Development …………………………………………... 37 Target Markets …………………………………………………………………….. 38 Promotional Strategies …………………………………………………………….. 38 Section 15: Funding and Investment Strategies ………………………………… 39 Funding Objectives ………………………………………………………………… 39 Funding and Technical Assistance Partnerships …………………………………… 40 Section 16: Byway Monitoring and Evaluation Program ……………………… 41 Overview …………………………………………………………………………… 41 Review Process ……………………………………………………………………. 41 Section 17: Action Plan …………………………………………………………... 42 Objective A -- Byway Organization ………………………………………………. 42 Objective B -- Public Involvement ………………………………………………… 43 Objective C -- Visitor Services and Attractions Materials ………………………… 44 Objective D -- Interpretive Materials …………………………………………….... 45 Objective E -- Interpretive Sites ………………………………………………….... 46 Objective F -- Signage …………………………………………………………….. 48 Objective G -- Protecting and Enhancing Intrinsic Qualities ……………………… 49 Objective H -- Marketing ………………………………………………………...... 50 Objective I -- Funding ……………………………………………………………... 51 Objective J --Visitor Management …………………………………………………. 52 Objective K -- Monitoring and Evaluation ……………………………………… … 52 Table 1 Phase 2 Interpretive Media Recommendations …………………………Page 33 FIGURES: Figure 1 Location Map .……………………...... Follows page 2 Figure 2 Byway Route …………………...……………….……...Page 2 Figure 3 Corridor Boundaries and Major Land Uses .…………...Follows page 8 Figure 4 Scenic and Natural Resources ………………………….Follows page 12 Figure 5 Recreation Resources, Visitor Services and Amenities ..Follows page 13 Figure 6 Historic and Cultural Resources …………..………...... Follows page 15 Figure 7 Visitor Experience Zones …….……..……...……… …… Follows page 17 Figure 8 Byway Enhancement Objectives …...………………...... Follows page 20

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Introduction - 1

In 1919 Arthur H. Carhart was the first full-time U.S. Forest Service landscape architect, outdoor recreation planner and founder of the U.S. Forest Service wilderness preservation system. In 1919 he planned State Highway (SH) 165, portions of SH 78 and SH 96, as recreational and scenic roads, the first of their kind. He referred to the Greenhorn Highway as a recreational road.

Carhart was one of the pioneers to understand the importance of comprehensive and integrated recreation planning. He recognized the automobile would play a large and increasing role in American enjoyment of the outdoors. Carhart understood that one day, Americans would drive their automobiles for pleasure, viewing scenery and to get to recreation destinations. He envisioned these pastimes would become the number one outdoor recreation activities in the United States.

Carhart pioneered the concept of automobile-designed and accessible campgrounds on US. Forest Service lands. He designed many campgrounds. Some of the first such sites in the United States included sites at the base of the majestic Sangre De Cristo Mountains and in the Wet Mountains. In part, the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway pays tribute to Arthur Carhart's vision of what was to come and what is now.

The Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway was designated as a Colorado State Byway by the Colorado Transportation Commission on December 15, 1994. Strong local and regional support, a well-organized byway committee and outstanding intrinsic qualities assured its designation.

Section 1 – Introduction

Frontier Pathways Corridor Management Plan

Location and Route National Forest. There also are several loop tours off the highway. The Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway (the Byway) is located in south- Purpose of Plan central Colorado (see Figure 1. Location This corridor management plan (CMP) Map). The Byway is 103 miles long and presents a vision for the Byway. It details includes the 51-mile segment of Colorado ways to showcase an outstanding scenic SH 96 between Pueblo (at Interstate 25) and historic touring route, generate local and Westcliffe. It also includes the 52- income, as well as protect the very rnile segment of Colorado SH 165 between resources that make all this possible. The Colorado City (near I-25) and its junction plan is the result of with SH 96. Other byway communities local effort, pride, and the hard work of include Rye and San Isabel along SH 165, many byway partners. The purpose of the and Wetmore, Silver Cliff and Westcliffe plan is to provide short and long-term along SH 96 (see Figure 2 below). guidance for enhancing and preserving the

Figure 2. Byway route . Frontier Pathways for visitors and local communities. The plan is a means of fostering economic and community development. The CMP also addresses the importance of protecting scenic, historic, recreational and natural resources that attract visitors to the area. The CMP is flexible, providing management continuity and assuring the byway vision is carried forward into the future. The plan also provides techniques to assist the byway organization in Traveling west from Pueblo, the route successfully seeking funding for further begins in the Arkansas Valley and the planning and project implementation. An Great Plains, traversing scenic and annual CMP review assures the plan undeveloped open range. As viewed from remains a living document. It evolves with the Front Range, the Wet Mountains factors that influence the course of plan provide the visual backdrop. After goals and fulfillment. traveling west through Hardscrabble Desired Outcomes for State and Canyon and the San Isabel National National Scenic Byway Designations Forest, the Byway descends into the verdant open space of the Wet Mountain The vision of the Frontier Pathways Valley. Here, the dramatic Sangre De organization is, in part to find a balance Cristo Mountain Range provides the visual amongst economic development, tourism backdrop with many peaks rising more promotion and resource protection. The than 14,000 feet above sea level. Wet Mountain and Greenhorn Valleys are attracting an increasing number of visitors. Alternatively, traveling west from The Byway organization wishes to Colorado City, the Byway traverses the encourage a manageable level of visitation, lush green rural landscape of the provide provocative interpretation and to Greenhorn Valley, with Greenhorn Peak assure that the quality of life is maintained providing much of the visual backdrop. in perpetuity. Desired outcomes for the Along this 37-mile segment from I-25 to Frontier Pathways from state and national SH 96, the Byway passes Lake San Isabel scenic byway designations include: into the deep tree cover of the San Isabel

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Economic, Community and 2. State and national byway Tourism Development: designations for Frontier Pathways renew interest in the area's history

1. The economic recovery of the City and the living landscape. of Pueblo is a story of great success. Designation encourages continued The El Pueblo Plaza Project, part of documentation of this history and the Historic Arkansas River Walk preservation of structures and sites Project (HARP), is a redevelopment of historic merit. renaissance within Pueblo. As the largest city and anchor community Natural Resource Protection: along the corridor, national and state 1. Quality scenic and natural resources byway designation has been a characterize the byway. Mountains, means of encouraging more valleys, lakes, prairies, stream travelers to exit I-25. They visit the courses, wetlands and forest cover, city, enjoy its rich history and provide visual attraction, as well as, special attractions, as well as support diverse plant and wildlife contribute to the local economy. species. The Byway brings attention 2. The corridor communities of to the need to protect these intrinsic Colorado City, Rye, San Isabel, resources. State and national byway Wetmore, Silver Cliff and designation also promotes resource Westcliffe, view byway designation protection. as a means to promote tourism and 2. The San Isabel Foundation (SIF) is a community pride, as well. local conservancy land trust. It is an Historical Discovery: active organization committed to resource protection within a region 1. The byway region embraces a rich that embraces much of the byway history of Native American culture, corridor. SIF provides one means of western expansion, early ranches, preserving and protecting byway homesteads, settlements, forts and resources. State and national posts. English and German designation provides increased colonization further add to this awareness of the need for resource texture of history. State and national protection and possible funding to byway designations showcase and accomplish this. interpret this history in a stunning visual environment.

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PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS - 2

Public meetings were held in the Ongoing Involvement summer of 1994 during the preparation The Frontier Pathways organization is of the Colorado Byways Program committed to monitoring the success of nomination application for Frontier their efforts. Organization meetings are Pathways. The meetings were held to open to the public, well publicized and inform the public and solicit input about held at convenient locations along the the byways program, as well as, outline byway. Public meetings help monitor the pros and cons of designation. The ongoing sentiment about byway meetings resulted in increased management. awareness and support for byway designation. As a result, the organization Media Relations expanded in size, diversity and level of Area newspapers are especially effective interest. in distributing information in rural areas. Pueblo, Colorado City and Wet This initial public process also included Mountain newspapers frequently carry numerous phone calls and presentations articles about the Byway and ways for to interested agencies, organizations and people to actively participate. The individuals, as well as newspaper organization maintains ongoing articles. The strength of the Byway relationships with area newspaper organization is due, in part to these early writers and editors. public involvement actions. Corridor Management Planning Process The Frontier Pathways organization facilitated the public involvement process throughout the preparation of this plan. This process included: • Articles in all of the area

newspapers • A series of public meetings in Pueblo, Colorado City and Westcliffe • Small group meetings and presentations • Ongoing phone and letter communication with interested agencies and individuals • Direct mailings

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BYWAY ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT and PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - 3 large, diverse membership group. Board The Byway organization believes the members include landowners, business success of implementing a corridor owners, representatives from state and management plan is dependent on the federal agencies, as well as public and strength of the organization. This private sector recreation and tourism involves a common vision and clarity of providers. Four committees provide mission. The organization is comprised assistance: of partnerships with local, county, state (1) Inter pretation Committee, and federal agencies. These partnerships (2) Historic Resources Committee, produce effective communication, use of (3) Resource Protection Committee and time and resources, along with regional (4) Marketing Committee. coordination. Byway Organization and Management Approach Community Leadership The BOD meets on an as-needed basis, usually about every three months. Many byway participants also serve as Meetings are more frequent when community leaders. Active involvement planning and project development are of community leaders well versed in underway. The management style is current byway activities has aligned with the needs of the occasion. strengthened the organization. Periodic Robert's Rules of Order are used at surveys will be conducted to gauge board meetings and formal motions opinion about the quality and regarding decisions or expenditures, are effectiveness of byway leadership and voted upon. its’ relationship to community leadership. Administrative Needs The Byway organization is currently Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway, Inc. staffed by a part-time Executive maintains an office and Interpretive Director (ED). In the past, when staffing Center in the El Pueblo History Museum included volunteers, “burnout” was an complex at 301 North Union Ave. ongoing concern. Many of the Pueblo, Colorado. The ED staffs the volunteers served in other community office and responds to inquiries. volunteer capacities. The organization is Computerized mailing lists are aware that the long-term effectiveness maintained for byway mailings. The and sustainability of the Byway BOD (President, Vice President, organization are critical to its success. Secretary, Treasurer and Members-at- Organizational Structure Large) are responsible for executive decisions, which are implemented by the part-time ED. Minutes are taken of all The Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway, Inc. is a 501-c3 non-profit corporation. board meetings and approved at subsequent meetings. The Byway This status permits the organization to organization maintains bank accounts in receive public and private sector funding, including many foundation Westcliffe and Pueblo. As the organization grows and funds allow, grants. The organization has bylaws and elects a Board of Directors (BOD) more projects will be implemented, along with marketing the Byway. biannually. The Board represents a Section 3 – Byway Organization, Management and Project Development Page 6 of 53

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Partnerships County Organizations The Byway organization is continually cultivating new partnerships in a win- • Pueblo County Board of win dynamic for both the organization Commissioners and partners. The organization is a • Pueblo County Department of diverse group of individuals and entities. Planning and Development The Frontier Pathways organization also • Pueblo County Chamber of maintains ongoing partnerships with Commerce local, county, state and federal agencies. • Pueblo County Archaeological & Partnerships include: Historical Society • Local Communities & Custer County Board of Organizations Commissioners • Custer County Chamber of • City of Pueblo Commerce • Pueblo Archeological and • Custer County Genealogical and Historical Society Historical Society • Valley Park and Recreation • Custer County Tourism Board Youth Center, Inc. • Custer County Non-Profit • Greater Pueblo Chamber of Collaborative Commerce • Custer County //Silver Cliff / Trails • Pueblo Latino Chamber of System Colorado Community

Commerce Resource Center • • Greenhorn Valley Chamber of Custer County Non-Profit Collaborative Commerce • • Greenway and Pueblo Nature El Pueblo History Museum Center • Town of Wetmore • Town of Greenwood State Organizations • Town of Silver Cliff • Colorado Division of Wildlife • Town of Westcliffe • Colorado Division of Parks and • Community of San Isabel Outdoor Recreation • Town of Rye • • Colorado City Metropolitan Colorado Historical Society Management Board • Colorado Department of • Hardscrabble-Wetmore Historical Transportation (Region 2) Society • Westcliffe Center for the Performing Federal Agencies Arts • US Forest Service • All Aboard Westcliffe Museum • Federal Highway Administration • Silver Cliff Mining Museum

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BYWAY ORGANIZATION VISION AND OBJECTIVES - 4

B. The Byway organization maintains a he Frontier Pathways organization is T public and private sector involvement committed to providing an outstanding process that assures long-term touring route for byway visitors. Partners representation of all byway stakeholders. are proud of the byway's resources and C. Frontier Pathways will support an merits. They wish to effectively ongoing effort to provide visitors with showcase these resources for visitors and quality services and attractions unique to residents . the Byway. Tourism, economic Vision development, marketing and promotion aim at benefiting this uniqueness. Regional workshops were conducted in D. Develop and produce high quality February and March 1995 as part of the interpretive materials that enhance the Colorado Statewide Byways Program byway visitor’s experience of the route. Planning Project. The Frontier Pathways These materials should be provocative, organization met in La Veta, Colorado emotive, education and entertaining. and drafted the following mission (not E. Design and build interpretive sites, vision) statement for byway stations, pullouts and signage to enhance management: the visitor’s knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of the Byway. F. Develop an integrated byway signage program to aid visitors. G. Protect and enhance the Byway’s outstanding historic, scenic, recreational, cultural and natural intrinsic qualities for visitors and residents alike. Working The need to balance tourism and with public and private sector agencies economic development with resource and entities, Frontier Pathways will be a protection is central to the vision. The willing partner in promoting beneficial organization encourages sustainable land use planning and protecting key growth, but not at the cost of resources. compromising resources that attract H. Consistent with local community goals visitors. The vision statement focuses on and resource protection needs market visitor needs and services. However, and promote the Byway. significant byway-related development I. Develop diversified funding sources and and activities must have the support of partnerships that maximize available area residents. private and public sector resources. Objectives J. Visitor management will aim to protect private property rights .Visitor

A. Establish and sustain a locally managed management will include the distribution byway organization that can effectively of information that fosters these ethics. manage the Byway for the long term,

including developing and maintaining K. long- term partnerships. Local participation is critical to the success of the Byway.

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CORRIDOR BOUNDARIES and MAJOR LAND USES - 5 Corridor Boundaries Historic District Walking Tour, El Pueblo History Museum, Pueblo Zoo, The majority of the Byway is within Rosemont Mansion Museum, Pueblo Custer County; the remaining is in Greenway & Nature Center, Colorado Pueblo County. The corridor is 103 State Fairgrounds and other attractions. miles in length (see Figure 3). There is The residential Pitkin Avenue Historic not a designated width to the corridor. District is located near the Byway on the Viewsheds, geographic or physiographic west side of Pueblo. characteristics, as well as attractions are Three loop tours provide access to key factors in describing corridor width. attractions near Westcliffe: the 15-mile Along SH 96 within the Wet Mountain long Wet Mountain Valley Heritage Valley, the viewshed includes extensive Tour, the 15-mile long One-Room ranch or farmland, with the Sangre De Schoolhouse Tour and the 3-mile long Cristo Mountains as a visual backdrop. Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Historical In Hardscrabble Canyon, the viewshed Walking Tour. The 26-mile Beulah is constrained by the canyon walls, so Valley Tour is accessible via SH 165 the corridor is narrow. Corridor near San Isabel and via SH 78 from visibility varies along SH 165. The Pueblo. viewshed is limited in the San Isabel East of 1-25 and Colorado City, the National Forest, but expands in the Graneros Canyon excursion provides a Greenhorn Valley. scenic view of the canyon's rock gorge. Small side drainages also contribute to the geological diversity of this canyon. Land Use and Ownership Patterns Land uses along the Byway are diverse. Pueblo is an urban setting. However, as one travels west, land use is increasingly rural. Colorado City, Rye, San Isabel, Wetmore, Silver Cliff and Westcliffe are all rural communities. Segments of both SH 96 and SH 165 traverse the San Isabel National Forest and are undeveloped forestland. Ranch and farmland are typical within broad expanses of the Wet Mountain Valley.

Ten miles of SH 96 and 25 miles of SH 165 cross federally owned lands The corridor includes features that are managed by the US Forest Service (San not directly on SH 96 or SH 165. Isabel National Forest). The remaining Historic structures, including cabins, 68 miles, or 66% of the Byway is ranch houses, one-room schoolhouses, a railroad museum, as well as old town privately owned. Lot sizes in Pueblo, sites, such as Rosita are considered Colorado City and the rural corridor attractions. The 5-mile Pueblo communities along the Byway are loop tour includes Union Avenue smaller, compared to the large working ranches and farms along the Byway.

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EXISTING VISITOR SERVICES - 6

Many visitor services and attractions Emergency transport and medical services are available in Pueblo, along the byway provide for diverse Colorado City and Westcliffe. The needs and desires. Attractions are Byway is routinely patrolled by the discussed in detail Custer and Pueblo Counties Sheriff's in the Recreation Resources section. departments. Hospitality and Visitor Information Services Fire response is provided by municipal fire departments. The US Forest Service The Pueblo Chamber of Commerce responds to fires in the San Isabel provides visitor information. Byway National Forest. Informal agreements brochures are available at the El Pueblo between emergency service providers History Museum. One goal of the ensure response by the closest provider organization is to improve the Frontier with other providers contributing Pathways Interpretive Center to include backup response. an indoor interactive electronic kiosk. The outdoor garden with interpretive Accessibility signage has been completed. Many Many visitor attractions are accessible to hotels, historic buildings, restaurants individuals with physical disabilities. As and city attractions are available to sites are redeveloped or newly byway visitors within a short distance. constructed, ADA (Americans with The Historic Arkansas River Walk is Disabilities Act) compliance will ensure only two blocks from the Frontier accessibility. Pathways Interpretive Center. Interpretive Services At 1-25 near Colorado City, the Cuero Interpretive services along the Verde Rest Area and Interpretive Center Byway include the El Pueblo History provides information for byway visitors. Museum, Rosemont Mansion Colorado City, Rye and San Isabel Museum (National Register of provide motels, restaurants and Historic Places), Pueblo State attractions. At the west end of the Recreation Area Visitor and byway, Silver Cliff and Westcliffe Interpretive Center, Greenway & provide information at the All Aboard Nature Center, Pueblo Zoo, Old Westcliffe Museum. The Byway Westcliff’ Schoolhouse, Pueblo organization's administrative office is in Historical Society Museum, Silver the El Pueblo Museum complex, as part Cliff Mining Museum, All Aboard of the Frontier Pathways Interpretive Westcliffe Museum and Robber’s Center. Roost Old West Museum in Rye. Support and Emergency Services

Pueblo, Colorado City, Westcliffe and other locations along the Byway provide gas and automobile repair services.

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INVENTORY and ASSESSMENT OF INTRINSIC QUALITIES - 7

Overview sources. Common plants include plains cottonwood, several willow species, The Byway is rich in intrinsic qualities cattails, bulrush and prairie cordgrass. that include, outstanding scenic vistas, Common wildlife includes muskrat, natural resources that support diverse raccoons, fox squirrels, river otter, plant and animal species, numerous Canadian geese, red- tailed hawks, great recreation sites, historic sites, structures blue herons, mallards and great-horned and districts, along with, a cultural owls. landscape reflecting both the past and Montane Shrublands: present. Montane shrublands occur between Ecosystems 5,500 and 10,000 feet. They are The Frontier Pathways byway corridor transition zones between the grasslands and viewsheds encompass ecosystems or and coniferous forests, as well as, piñon life zones from the prairie to alpine pine-juniper woodlands. The shrub lands tundra, encompassing 8,000 feet of are biologically, geographically and vertical distance. This unique byway visually diverse. Common plants include attribute, results in unparalleled Gambel oak, mountain biological, geographic and visual -mahogany, sagebrush, qualities. Following is baseline saltbrush, rabbitbrush, and information, regarding the serviceberry. Common ecosystems, a general description wildlife includes a diversity of their visual character, as well as, of bird species, coyotes, common plant and animal species. mule deer, gray foxes and Prairie Grasslands: jack rabbits. The prairie grasslands near Pueblo and Colorado City comprise the Piñon Pine-Juniper flat, largely treeless plains below Woodlands: 5,600 feet in elevation. The pi ñon pine-juniper Cottonwoods and riparian woodlands along the eastern vegetation are found along flank of the Wet Mountains drainages. Rolling hills and steep comprise a transition mesas also occur within this vegetation zone from the ecosystem. Common plants include prairie grasslands and rabbitbrush, sage, yucca, prickly montane forests. This pear cactus, buffalo grass and ecosystem is characterized blue grama. Common wildlife by small conifers and small includes rattlesnakes, coyotes, shrub or grass cover. foxes, ground squirrels, jack rabbits and Common plants include one-seed juniper, badgers. Utah juniper, Colorado pi ñon pine and Lowland Riparian: mountain mahogany. Common wildlife Lowland riparian areas are located along includes chipmunks, cottontails, mule the Arkansas River and the Pueblo deer, jack rabbits, gray foxes, mountain Reservoir, drainages and canals. In lions, porcupine, rock squirrels and a contrast to the plains, several plant and wide diversity of bird species. tree species thrive near these water

Blue Grama (pictured above)

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Mountain Riparian: and the Sangre De Cristos, between Mountain riparian areas (such as those 8,000 and l0,500 feet elevation. They are within in the San Isabel National Forest) often the only deciduous tree at these occur along drainages, ponds and lakes. elevations. The aspens turn a bright gold They provide a lush visual quality in color in the fall. Common plants include contrast to drier surroundings. Common Wood's rose, columbines, daisies and plants include narrow and Lanceleaf fescue. Common wildlife includes Cottonwoods, aspen, Colorado blue snowshoe hares, martens, pine squirrels spruce, alder, river birch, chokecherry, and voles. gooseberry, rush and sedges. Common wildlife includes a great diversity of Subalpine Forests: birds, beaver and cottontails. Subalpine forests of the San Isabel National Forest and the Sangre De Mountain Grasslands: Due to a combination of soil type, Cristos are typical from about 9,000 to precipitation and temperature, mountain 11,000 feet elevation. Common trees grasslands in the Wet Mountains and include subalpine fir and Engelmann Sangre De Cristos are unsuitable for spruce. Common plants include trees. These areas frequently stand in blueberry and arnica. A large diversity of visual contrast to forested mountain birds frequents this ecosystem. areas. Common plants include fescue, blue grama, tufted hairgrass, junegrass, pasture sage and prairie sage. Common wildlife includes bluebirds, swallows, sparrows, elk, gophers and a variety of rodents. Montane Forests: Montane forests of the San Isabel National Forest are characterized by ponderosa pine on south-facing slopes and Douglas fir on north-facing slopes. The majority of forested areas along the Frontier Pathways are montane forests. They vary from gentle slopes and rolling hills, to steep densely forested mountain sides. Ponderosa pine forests frequently have open under-stories of kinnikinick, blue grama, junegrass, and Rocky Mountain juniper. Common animals include chipmunks, mule deer and porcupines. Douglas fir, mountain common juniper, and rocky mountain maple are typical of View from Highway 165 north-facing slopes. Pine and southern red-backed squirrels frequent this ecosystem. Aspen groves also are common in montane forests of the Wet Mountains

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Scenic Resources 16. Expansive view shed of Sangre De Cristo The Frontier Pathways contains Mountains and views to the north and outstanding scenic resources. It is south comprised of large landscape units with 17. Expansive view shed of the Wet common visual characteristics. The lush Mountain Valley and Sangre De Cristo Greenhorn Valley, the park-like setting Mountains between Pueblo and the Hardscrabble 18. Views of historic mines (not on Fig. 4) Plateau, the Wet Mountains, the San Isabel National Forest, Hardscrabble Canyon and the Wet Mountain Valley, all provide the traveler with magnificent views. As the traveler journeys west and descends from Hardscrabble Pass, the view of the Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range is stunning. During clear weather, the traveler can see the entire range. The Sangre De Cristo range spans over l00 miles in length, including 13 peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation and 39 peaks over 13,000 feet. The Sangre De Cristo Mountains are the backbone of the View from State Highway 165 Rocky Mountain System. Figure 4. Scenic and Natural Resources, describes Natural Resources the scenic attractions from the following Changes in elevation along the byway result 17 view points along the Byway: in diverse physiographic flora and fauna. The following resource attributes are worthy of 1. Large view shed across prairie and shrub interpretation for visitors. Interpretive lands, views of the Wet Mountains, Pikes methods for natural resources are discussed Peak, and Pueblo Reservoir. in Interpretive Planning Approach section 2. Views shed across prairie to Pikes Peak (see Figure 4. Scenic and Natural Resources). 3. Pristine view shed of piñon-juniper

woodlands 1. Elevation (4,700 feet to over 14,000 4. Half-Way House Stage Stop feet): The Byway provides views of 5. Pastoral ranchland with Pikes Peak as a ecosystems from the Great Plains to the backdrop Continental Divide. This results in great 6. Hardscrabble Plateau and Pikes Peak physiographic and species diversity. 7. Hardscrabble Canyon 2. Water Resources: Watershed dynamics 8. San Isabel National Forest are evident in the Wet Mountain Valley.

9. Pastoral view of homesteads and creek Snow accumulates in the Sangre De corridors 10. View of Lake Isabel Cristos, melts and descends in drainages 11. Viewshed of Great Plains to the valley floor. Water quality is very 12. Characteristic ranchland good.

13. View across open fields to Greenhorn 3. Cultural Landscape: Most of the valley Peak, Spanish Peaks, Pikes Peak and the floor has been modified by farming and Sangre De Cristo Mountains ranching. However, there are remnants 14. View of Sangre De Cristo Mountains of native prairie or grasslands. The 15. View of historic homesteads cultural landscape is an important interpretive theme.

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4. Wildlife: Is abundant along the corridor, are available year round. Partners including elk, mule deer, antelope, black include: the byway Interpretation and bears, mountain lions and blue grouse. Marketing Committees, US Forest Herds of big horn sheep were Service, Colorado Division of Parks and transplanted into Hardscrabble Canyon Outdoor Recreation, Colorado Division several years ago. Wildlife viewing is an of Wildlife, as well as, the counties and important visitor activity. communities.

5. Endangered Species: Remnant populations of native Colorado greenback cutthroat trout were found in Apache Creek and Sangre De Cristo Creek. These populations were used to introduce the species elsewhere in Colorado. A pair of nesting Mexican spotted owls is located near Hardscrabble Canyon. There are only seven known pairs of this species in Colorado. Several peregrine falcon nests are located near Lake Isabel. Lake Isabel 6. San Isabel National Forest: The San Recreation activities include scenic Isabel National Forest is managed under a multiple resource mandate. Resource viewing from automobiles, viewing management is guided by the San Isabel historic structures and sites, nature National Forest Land Resource study, wildflower viewing, photography, Management Plan and Environmental hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, Impact Statement. picnicking, camping, backpacking, flat- water recreation, lake and stream trout

7. Natural Resources: Settlers depended on fishing and cross-country skiing. Figure natural resources for survival. Hunting, 5, Recreation Resources, Visitor agriculture, ranching, as well as, gold Services, and Amenities delineates and silver mining supported early many of the recreation attractions. settlers. Recreation attractions include: 8. Geology: The 70-million year old Sangre De Cristo and Wet Mountains • Pueblo Attractions: the 1889 Union are geologically young and active. Depot, Union Avenue Historic Up-thrusting of these mountains is still District, El Pueblo History Museum, occurring. Rosemont Mansion Museum, Recreation Resources Pueblo City Park and Zoo (both listed in the National Register of Recreation opportunities along the Historic Places), Pitkin Residential byway range from urban activities to Historic District, Sangre De Cristo wilderness experiences. See Figure 5. Arts Center, Greenway & Pueblo Recreation Resources, Visitor Services Nature Center, Colorado State & Amenities. Recreation and attractions Fairgrounds and special events.

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occupation dating back over 10,000 • Pueblo State Recreation Area: power years. The Native American Ute and sail boating, water skiing, population fought alongside Spanish picnicking, camping, general day use, Governor De Anza in 1779 to defeat hiking, nature study and viewing Comanche Chief Cuerno Verde, near interpretive displays Colorado City. • Pueblo Mountain Park (National Register of Historic Places) • Smith Creek Camp Ground (not maintained) • CO. Division of Wildlife Viewing Area • Lake DeWeese • Bishop’s Castle • Mission Wolf • Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness Area • Greenhorn Meadows Park

• Numerous dispersed opportunities and Half-Way House Stage Stop developed recreation facilities within the San Isabel National Forest Some of the earliest high country colonization, homesteading and • Numerous hiking, backpacking, cross- ranching in the Rocky Mountain country skiing and horseback trails in Region, occurred here. The Byway is a the Sangre De Cristo Mountains and living, cultural landscape that stands as a Wilderness Area record of the history of Native • The nationally renowned Rainbow Trail Americans, Hispanic and European along the east side of the Sangre De (English and German) settlers. Cristo Mountains The Byway is a living museum linking • Alvarado and Lake Creek Campgrounds all the cultural and historic landscapes (U.S. Forest Service, Sangre De Cristo that have resulted from the beginning of Mountains) human occupation to present day. The visitor participates in the history of • Ophir Creek Campground (US Forest transportation, architecture, agriculture, Service) and the colonization of a region that • Davenport Picnic Area & Campground hugs the backbone of the Rocky (US Forest Service) Mountains, the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. • Lake Isabel US. Forest Service Recreation Area Frontier Pathways is host to a remarkable number and diversity of • Annual special events hosted by Frontier historic structures and sites. Many are Pathways communities and organizations. (Refer to website) on the National Register of Historic Places. Custer County is home to over Historic Resources ten “Centennial Ranches” that have been The Byway showcases a rich pre- functioning cattle ranches for over 100 historic and human story of occupation, years. Pueblo has more properties on the settlement and industry. Archaeological National Register than any other city in sites confirm Clovis and Folsom Colorado, excepting Denver.

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Pueblo historic resources include the Union 17. Willows Schoolhouse Avenue Historic District in Pueblo, Union Depot 18. Adobe Schoolhouse (no longer standing) 19. Pinegrove (Canda) Schoolhouse (1889) and Pueblo City Park and Zoo. All of these treasures are on the National Register of 20. Hope (Lutheran) Cemetery 21. Colfax German Colony Site (wrong on map) Historic Places. Additional resources include 22. Augusta Homestead District Rosemont Mansion Museum (National 23. Mingus Homestead (National Register of Register), Pitkin Avenue Historic District, and Historic Places) El Pueblo Historic Museum, which has been 24. Clarkson Homestead integrated in the El Pueblo Plaza redevelopment 25. Beulah and Pueblo Mountain Park project along the Arkansas River. The finished 26. Lake Isabel National Forest Recreation Area product will rival San Antonio's famous urban 27. Cuerno Verde Battle Site riverfront. Pueblo Mountain Park, a regionally The list below includes additional sites: unique mountain recreation area , is located 25 miles southwest of Pueblo near Beulah. It speaks Museums: of the quality of 1930s craftsmanship for wood Bessemer Historical Society Museum and stone, which are regionally significant of Industry and Culture design elements. Pueblo County Historical Society Museum Pueblo Railway Museum Additional historic properties include the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum Beckwith Ranch near Westcliffe, recently Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center purchased for protection and preservation, the The Pueblo Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Augusta Homestead, the Mingus Homestead Holiday Commission & Cultal Center (National Register), Wetmore General Store and Silver Cliff Museum in the Historical the charming forest community of Beulah. There Silver Cliff Town Hall and Fire House All Aboard Westcliffe are five museums along the Byway, as well as six one-room schoolhouses near Westcliffe Historic Cemeteries in Custer County: (One-Room Schoolhouse Loop Tour). Wetmore Figure 6. Historic and Cultural Resources, Silver Cliff Assumption delineates the location of several historical Hillside structures or sites. 1. El Pueblo History Museum One-room schoolhouses 2. Pueblo City Park and Zoo (left standing) in Custer County:

3. Union Depot Pinegrove (Canda)

4. Union Avenue Historic District Isle (at Custer County Fairgrounds)

5. Half-Way House Stage Stop Willows

6. Wetmore General Store Blake

7. Buzzard’s Roost and Hardscrabble Wetmore

8. Settlement Sites Silver Park

9. Kattnig Homestead Old “Westcliff” Schoolhouse 10. Novic Homestead

11. Rosita Cemetery Other Historic Sites in Custer County: 12. Querida Historic Mining Ruins Geyser Mine in Silver Cliff 13. Old “Westcliff” Schoolhouse Colfax German Colony Site 14. Old Westcliffe Jail Turner Mill 15. Beckwith Ranch 16. Ula Cemetery

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The following is a chronological listing of 1919 Carhart's auto touring concepts and people, places, and events: Greenhorn recreational road redefine 1779 Spanish Governor De Anza and Utes recreational planning. Result in the first defeat Comanche Chief Cuerno Verde, near US Forest Service campgrounds in the Greenhorn Park country 1806-1807 Zebulon Pike's Expedition 1920s San Isabel Recreation Association plans with US Forest Service. Willow 1832 Maurice LeDuc Buzzard's Roost Fort site Creek developed 1842 Early American settlement at Fort Pueblo 1930s Pueblo City Park and Zoo 1843 Some of the first Rocky Mountain cattle (CCC project) ranches near Wetmore, including Kinkead 1930s Planning of Pueblo Reservoir Ranch Site 1936 San Isabel Recreation Association 1844 Hardscrabble Settlement Site and US Forest Service Recreation Area 1845 Early American settlement at Barclay's (CCC project) Post 1963 Colorado City, one of 1848 Major John C. Fremont began fourth and first planned communities in Colorado last expedition into Rocky Mountains 1860 First Colorado water right granted near Wetmore 1860s Mace's Hole 1860s Hardscrabble area ranches common 1870 German homesteader settlement, first colonization attempt in Colorado 1870s Homesteaders and ranchers are common in Wet Mountain Valley 1870s Wetmore and Greenwood communities 1870s English settlers arrive in north Wet Mountain Valley Pueblo Mountain Park 1871 Beckwith Cattle Ranch fully operational Cultural Resources 1872 Gold discovered in Rosita 1873 Half-Way House Stage Stop on Jackson The byway traverses a cultural landscape Hill reflecting the history of Native 1874 Gold discovered in Querida Americans, European and American migration, homesteading and settlement. 1876 Wixson homestead on Greenhorn Highway This living cultural landscape tells the story of high country ranching, integrated 1878 Gold and silver discovered in Silver outdoor recreation planning (Arthur H. Cliff Carhart), transportation development, 1879 General Store in Wetmore architecture and natural resource 1879 Silver Cliff founded management. 1880s Silver Cliff population at 5,000 1881 Westcliffe founded 1889 Union Depot constructed in Pueblo 1889 Augusta homestead community founded 1891 Second Mace homestead community founded 1891 Old “Westcliff” Schoolhouse built Section 7 – Inventory and Assessment of Intrinsic Qualities Page 17 of 53

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THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE - 8

The Byway experience is a function of continue to add attractive amenities to a several factors. It includes what visitors community that is experiencing an expect before they travel the Frontier economic and cultural renaissance. Pathways. It also encompasses the Activities : In addition to a large number physical and social settings and of tourist-oriented services and activities along the Byway. businesses, the Union Depot, Union Understanding expectations and what Avenue Historic District, Rosemont the Byway has to offer helps determine Mansion Museum, El Pueblo History ways of enhancing the visitor Museum and Pueblo County Historical experience. Soliciting input through Society Museum, all speak of the area's surveys allows for a more thorough history. Walking tours of the historic understanding of what visitors want. See district and other downtown amenities Figure 7. Visitor Experience Zones. are very popular. City Park and the Visitor Expectations Pueblo Zoo Greenway & Nature Center and Colorado State Fairgrounds, are The mission statement developed by the additional amenities. Frontier Pathways organization includes the providing of superior visitor Colorado City (Zone 2) experiences. The quality of experiences Setting : Colorado City is the southern I- is a function of settings and activities. If 25 gateway community to the byway. expectations are met or exceeded, experiences are good. Expectations are Located within the verdant green landscape of Greenhorn Valley, this frequently established by interpretive planned community is also the gateway materials and personal input. to the recreational and scenic Greenhorn Settings and Activities Highway (SH 165) and the neighboring Settings and activities along the Byway community of Rye. Colorado City and are divided into seven experience Rye provide diverse visitor services in an attractive pastoral setting. zones . Each zone provides a unique physical setting. Figure 7. Visitor Activities: The Cuerno Verde Rest Area Experience Zones, depicts these zones. and Interpretive Center is the largest Pueblo (Zone 1) visitor center on the byway, providing travel and interpretive information. Setting : Pueblo (pop. 102,000) is the Local amenities include a public golf largest community and the northern I-25 course, community center, Greenhorn gateway to the byway. It is an urban Meadows Park, Lake Beckwith and the setting undergoing significant change. nearby Graneros Gorge. The El Pueblo Plaza and the Historic Arkansas River Walk Project will

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SH 96-Pueblo to Wetmore (Zone 3) Activities: In addition to scenic viewing, recreation at the Lake Isabel Setting: This segment of SH 96 traverses the plains west of Pueblo and Recreation Area includes a campground, lie east of Hardscrabble Canyon and numerous hiking trails and trout fishing. Wet Mountains. Largely undeveloped, there are expansive views in all SH 165 -Lake Isabel to SH 96 directions of Pikes Peak, the Spanish (McKenzie Junction, SH 96 & SH 165) Peaks and Greenhorn Peak. (Zone 6) Activities : In addition to scenic Setting: Between Lake Isabel and viewing, travelers may visit Pueblo McKenzie Junction the valley narrows Reservoir State Recreation Area where sharply and is heavily forested. Creeks activities include: power boating, sail ramble along the byway and drainages boating, camping, picnicking and plunge from higher watersheds. hiking. The Half-Way House Stage Stop Activities: Summer activities include and Wetmore General Store are of camping, picnicking, and hiking. Winter historic interest. Hardscrabble activities include cross-country skiing Plateau/Canyon and the San Isabel and downhill skiing at the San Isabel Ski National Forest are quality scenic Area. Several intact 1800s homesteads resources greeting the visitor along this are visible from the byway, as is Bishop segment of the byway. Castle.

SH 96-Hardscrabble Canyon (Zone SH 96 -Hardscrabble Canyon 4) Westcliffe (Zone 7) Setting: Primarily within the San Isabel Setting: As byway visitors travel west National Forest, Hardscrabble Canyon is and descend from Hardscrabble Canyon a deeply cut, dramatic ravine where SH and the San Isabel National Forest, they 96 traverses the Wet Mountains. are afforded spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, the Sangre De Cristo Activities: Informal pullouts encourage Mountain Range. With the enormous visitors to stop, look and photograph the Wet Mountain Valley in the foreground, canyon. Lover's Leap, a noted rock the Sangre De Cristo Mountains take on feature, is a unique visual attribute. A striking beauty. wildlife viewing area has been Activities : The historic Wet Mountain constructed in the canyon, focusing on communities of Silver Cliff and the canyon's bighorn sheep herd. Westcliffe provide a full range of

services and tourism opportunities. SH 165-Colorado City to Lake San Historic homesteads, ranches and one- Isabel (Zone 5) room schoolhouses provide visitors with Setting: From rural Colorado City, Rye, several excursions and loop drives. and the Greenhorn Valley, the byway Watching wildlife is common. (Greenhorn Highway) traverses the San Westcliffe also provides an excellent Isabel National Forest and the Lake starting point for trips into the Sangre Isabel Recreation Area (US. Forest De Cristo Mountains, just three miles Service). The valley narrows and forest west. cover increasingly dominates the visual field.

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Enhancing the Visitor Experience Visitor Services The byway provides rewarding tourism The quality of a visitor's experience opportunities. The intrinsic scenic, along the corridor also depends on how historic, recreational and natural they are greeted and treated by public attributes, award the visitor with and private sector recreation and tourism attractive settings and activities. providers. Often, waiters, waitresses and gas station attendants are the first line of Interpretive Materials visitor contact. Their knowledge of the Besides physical enhancements, the area and friendliness help establish a greatest opportunity to enhance visitor's sense of enjoyment. Hospitality experience is through provocative training will be used to enhance the interpretation of the natural and social visitor experience and promote history of the region. Interpretive individual businesses. materials inform and educate visitors. Projects accomplished or underway include:

Entrance to Frontier Pathways Interpretive Center Visitor Input The success of visitor enhancements can be gauged by asking visitors, "How are we doing?" Recreation and tourism providers can directly solicit feedback on the quality of their services. The byway organization intends to solicit and document visitor feedback (through face-to-face surveys) and use this information to further enhance visitor experience.

As technology evolves, audio and video tapes will be reproduced in Blue Ray disc (BD) format, as well as downloadable media from the byway website and computer station Kiosks. These resources expand appreciation of the Byway's intrinsic resources and serve as mementos for visitors.

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BYWAY ENHANCEMENT OBJECTIVES - 9

The byway enhancement objectives provides directional and interpretive information about the byway. provide new resources, incorporate Westcliffe Byway Information Center: development and enhance existing resources. They consider all intrinsic This Byway Visitor Information Center qualities, land use options and the need is located at All Aboard Westcliffe to protect key resources. The objectives Museum. Tourist information will be also respond to the vision of augmented by a computer station to stakeholders and the needs of visitors. provide travel and interpretive This planning approach will be information. revisited, identifying corrective actions San Isabel Recreation Area in as needed. See Figure 8. Byway Enhancement Objectives. Located at mile marker 18, the San Isabel Recreation Area provides Enhancement of Existing camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking and Resources non-powered boating. An interpretive Welcome and Interpretive Centers: display describes the planning and construction of Lake Isabel in the 1930s Several welcome and visitor information as a cooperative effort between the US sites will provide byway information Forest Service and San Isabel and interpretive materials. Recreation Association. The display also El Pueblo Museum: interprets the construction of Lake Isabel Dam by the Civilian Conservation The indoor information area is located Corps in 1936, as well as, the historic within the El Pueblo History Museum in work of US Forest Service landscape Pueblo. It will be equipped with an architect, Arthur H. Carhart. Carhart interactive electronic display. Close by, was the founder of the U.S. Forest an outdoor information kiosk is located Service wilderness preservation system on the El Pueblo Plaza. and is largely responsible for the Cuerno Verde Welcome Center: concept of automobile-based recreation. The Cuerno Verde Welcome Center in Loop Tours: Colorado City serves the needs of The Byway Visitor Information Center byway visitors for directional and at Westcliffe is the starting point of interpretive information. The center also three loop tours. The Wet Mountain serves the needs of the Colorado Valley Heritage Tour is a 15-mile loop Department of Transportation and drive on gravel roads past German and Greenhorn Valley Chamber of English colonies of the 1870s. The One-

Commerce. Room Schoolhouse Tour is an l5-mile Pueblo State Recreation Area Visitor loop drive that links six one-room Center : schoolhouses used from 1870 to 1955. This visitor center meets the needs of The Westcliffe and Silver Cliff Historic the Colorado Division of Parks and Tour is a 6-mile walking and driving Outdoor Recreation through interpretive tour past old mines in Silver Cliff and information about the reservoir and historic structures in Westcliffe that are natural resources of the area. It also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Signage: A sign plan has been implemented to coordinate standard highway traffic signs, safety signs, identification and information signs, state byway signs, US Forest Service signs and tourist-oriented directional signage (TODS). Signage is discussed further in Section 11. Future Byway Enhancement There is increasing residential and commercial growth pressure in the Wet Mountain and Greenhorn Valleys. Subdivision growth could sharply contrast with existing land uses. Municipal and county zoning cannot provide consistent protection from inappropriate development. To the greatest degree possible, the Frontier Pathways byway organization is committed to working with byway partners to promote site planning, design and development guidelines, as well as, maintain and enhance the intrinsic qualities of the byway.

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BYWAY RESOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAM – 10

A-2 (5-acres). In Pueblo County from Frontier Pathway’s resource protection program intends to maintain intrinsic Colorado City to Rye, zoning qualities, influence new development accommodates single family and and set the stage for future use. This commercial uses. From Rye to the approach relies on county planning, Custer County line, zoning is A-l and zoning and development review. A-2. Creative, non-regulatory forms of Conservation Easements protection and the use of conservation easements also need to be considered. Conservation easements along the The protection program addresses Frontier Pathways involve the specific means to preserve corridor acquisition of development rights for resources. lands. Rights are acquired in a willing Custer and Pueblo County seller-willing buyer transaction. The Land Use Planning acquired development right becomes a In Custer County, residential zoning deed restriction to the title of the along the Greenhorn Highway is property that is transferred with the sale working with Custer and Pueblo of the property. Compliance with the Counties to review existing zoning and restriction must be monitored by some protection methods. Tools such as, entity. The San Isabel Foundation in setbacks, overlay zoning, zoning Custer County, working with the byway incentives, clustering development and and the landowners, has already development right exchanges may apply acquired one1.5-mile scenic easement in to the byway. The organization realizes the Augusta homestead area along SH that restrictive zoning may be viewed as 165. This easement assures the a "taking." Given time and outreach, the maintenance of scenic integrity while organization is committed to exploring providing a tax benefit to the seller. The and implementing creative and non- Colorado Byway Program is exploring regulatory forms of land protection. the establishment of a land trust specifically for state byways. SH 96 from the Custer-Pueblo County Currently the Byway intersects or is line to McKenzie Junction permits 5- adjacent to seven conservation acre to 35-acre parcels. San Isabel is easements held by the San Isabel Land zoned for commercial use. Zoning along Protection Trust and one held by the SH 96 in Custer County permits 5-acre Palmer Land Trust. As of 2010, there to 35-acre parcels. Wetmore, Silver Cliff are 8.2 miles of frontage along the and Westcliffe are zoned for commercial Byway protected from future use. Within the unincorporated Wet subdivision. In addition, the Colorado Mountain Valley, 80-acre agricultural Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust parcels are permitted. (CCALT) has protected a ranch near For 1.5 miles west of Pueblo, Pueblo McKenzie Junction. County zoning accommodates primarily Fee Simple Acquisition industrial and agricultural uses. From 1.5 to 10 miles west of Pueblo, zoning Another means of land protection along along the north side of SH 96 is S-I and the Frontier Pathways is the outright accommodates the Pueblo State acquisition of property, which assures Recreation Area. Along the south side of its protection in perpetuity. This also is a SH 96 from 1.5 to 22 miles west, county willing seller-willing buyer process. zoning is A-l (40 acres) and Many public and private entities in Colorado are acquiring land for resource Section 10 – Byway Resource Protection Program Page 23 of 53

Frontier Pathways Corridor Management Plan protection. Many open space and natural Program (State Lottery funding for area programs involve fee simple conservation and recreation project) has acquisition. Colorado's Legacy Program, funded fee simple acquisitions. part of the Great Outdoors Colorado

Design and Development Review Protection of Visitor Attractions and Recreation Resources In Pueblo and Colorado City, building codes apply to lands within their Existing visitor attraction and recreation jurisdictions along the byway. These resources currently are managed by both codes regulate design and construction public and private sector providers. of structures. However, only segments These include state and locally operated of the byway have been impacted by welcome and visitor information development. Typical of rural Colorado centers, as well as, recreation facilities counties, building codes do not apply in managed by the US Forest Service (San unincorporated Pueblo or Custer Isabel National Forest). Counties along the Frontier Pathways. Resource Protection Plan Voluntary design guidelines will be developed as a means of encouraging A comprehensive resource protection and promoting attractive development. plan for the Byway is being developed in consultation with land use Protection of Scenic and Natural professionals, land trusts and Resources preservation organizations. The plan Protecting natural resources is identifies a menu of protection processes imperative to byway success. Existing and technique, as well as strategies for zoning and development review protect specific resources along the corridor. some natural resources. Conservation Protection Criteria: easements, as described above, can be a As part of the corridor planning effort, very effective means of protecting the organization has identified criteria resources. Many natural resources that can be used to identify and already are protected through prioritize resources in need of management by the Colorado Division protection. These criteria and others that of Wildlife and the Colorado Division of may be identified in the future, will help Parks and Outdoor Recreation. The guide and focus protection efforts. byway segments that traverse the San Criteria include: Isabel National Forest are afforded some level of protection as directed by the Intrinsic Factors: forest plan. • Foreground -view of property Protection of Historic and • Background -view from or over property Cultural Resources • Historic and cultural resources can be Historic structures or artifacts protected by conservation easements. In • Cultural or historical significance addition, historic properties can apply associates with a site for designation and listing on State or • National Registers of Historic Places. Current cultural context including Such listings can provide funding for the continuation of traditional agricultural stabilization, rehabilitation and uses preservation of important sites or • Special natural and wildlife areas structures. • Expansion of existing protection areas

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Contextual and Circumstantial Factors agricultural foreground. Residential or other development in this area could • Immediacy and/or degree of threat to adversely affect this significant property viewshed. • Willing or cooperative landowner 5. Jackson Hill: This area represents a • Ability to cooperate with or complement transition from the agricultural plains to other efforts the rolling Pinion-Juniper foothills. Additionally, the abrupt rise of the • Amount of return from value expended highway over Jackson Hill provides a scenic view of the hill when traveling west and a broad view of the plains Protection Priorities: when traveling east. The organization has identified 19 sites 6. Jackson Hill Stage Stop: The Stage along the corridor that have at least one Stop, together with adjacent out- of these criteria. These priority areas are buildings, constitutes a significant not intended to be exclusive or historic resource and an opportunity f or exhaustive. Rather, they focus and an interesting and accessible interpretive guide the organization’s efforts in the site. The commanding view of both immediate future. In later phases of mountains and plains from the Stage planning and implementation, this list of Stop make the site attractive for new sites may be modified or further residential development, and thus prioritized. The sites are listed below increases the degree of threat to this and are no in order of importance (also resource. see Figure 9, Resource Protection Areas). 7. Hardscrabble Plateau: This is an area along both sides of SH 96 on the east 1. Goodnight Barn and Related Lands: and west sides of the historic This area includes the historic Hardscrabble and Buzzard’s Roost Goodnight Barn and is adjacent to Town Sites. The proximity of this area various ponds, wetlands and wildlife to residential sites increases the threat of habitat. The area also helps to separate development that may be inconsistent the urban area of Pueblo from rural with the historic and cultural feel of this areas along SH 96. The potential area. protection of State Land Board properties in this area, through the 8. Kincaid Ranch Site: This site includes Stewardship Trust, may augment visually sensitive meadows and presents protection efforts. dramatic views of Pikes Peak when traveling east. There is significant early 2. The Bluffs: This area includes forested western and Native American history transitional areas and steep hillsides. here, including the fact that it was the Protection of this area helps to separate first cattle ranch in the region. the urban area of Pueblo from rural 9. Silver Park: This area from McKenzie areas adjacent to SH 96. Junction to Hardscrabble Divide 3. Pikes Peak Vista: This area north of SH contains a long visually sensitive and 96, provides a scenic agricultural highly scenic meadow, primarily located foreground, with a panoramic to the south side of the highway. background view of Pikes Peak. Because of the beauty of the area, coupled with its’ relatively easy access,

4. Bogg’s Flat: This area provide the first the area is threatened by residential unobstructed view of the entire Wet development that may adversely impact Mountain Range, with a scenic the scenic qualities of the meadows. Section 10 – Byway Resource Protection Program Page 25 of 53

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10. Novic Homestead: This home site is not views, as well as historic resources and only located in a highly visible and opportunities for interpretation. scenic meadow are, but represents a 17. Bigelow Divide: This ranching area, and significant example of the homesteading its open meadows, sits on the flank of heritage of the area. Bigelow Divide. It offers significant 11. Hardscrabble Divide: This area offers foreground views of the ranch, along the first and perhaps most striking view with background views of the divide. of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. It 18. Clarkson Homestead: This homestead also presents an important foreground on the east side of SH 165, includes a view of the agricultural meadows of cluster of historically significant Hosa Flats. homestead buildings, and presents a 12. Sangre De Cristo Vista: This area north background view of the valley below. of SH 96 is the first “Big View” of the 19. Pope Ranch: This ranch on the east side Sangre De Cristo Mountains and the of SH 165 includes the Pope Ranch Wet Mountain Valley. The foreground barns. It presents a panoramic view is across a scenic agricultural background view of the valley and setting. plains, 4,000 feet below. 13. Wet Mountain Valley Vista: Near Silver Additional Planning: Cliff the area to the south side of the highway incorporates significant In order to refine the Byway’s future residential development and a transition resource protection efforts, the to the developed areas. This area on the following tasks would be useful: north side of the highway, however, has 1. Research the 19 priority sites to experienced little development. It determine: presents long and unobstructed views across the Silver Cliff Plateau to the a. Current ownership mountains of the north. b. Current land use or covenant 14. Silver Cliff Mill: This is a relatively restrictions intact mill site that represents both a c. Specific biological and cultural historical resource and an opportunity information regarding the sites for interpretation of the mining history of the area. 2. Further prioritize the 19 sites to formulate a specific order in which they

15. Kennicott Ranch: This area, while off will be addressed. the Byway, is part of a byway-related loop. The ranch land along both sides of 3. Create site-specific conservation plans SH 96 is relatively undeveloped. It to determine the appropriate presents views that are relatively conservation activities and timeframe unchanged from the time of early applicable to each of the 19 sites. settlement of the area. Additionally, this 4. Contact all owners of priority sites to agricultural are ties in with the protected obtain information, initiating the process Beckwith Ranch. It also presents an of creating voluntary approaches to opportunity for interpretation regarding resource protection. the history of high country ranching.

16. Augusta Homesteading Community: This historic cluster of homesteads sits in visually sensitive high country meadows along SH 165. It presents scenic foreground and middle ground

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SIGNAGE – 11

Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway signs (columbine flower logo) were Interpretive Signage installed along the Byway in May 1997. As part of the byway enhancement plan, Other sign programs include tourist- a system of interpretive signs is installed oriented directional sign age (TODS), along the byway. Signs interpret natural, byway interpretive signs, the Colorado recreational, historic and cultural Historical Society- Colorado resources, as described in the Department of Transportation Interpretive Planning Approach section. interpretive marker program and A interstate signage. All byway signage brochure, has been integrated with existing or booklet, potential traffic safety and directional audio tape, signage. and video State Byway Signage tape have been These attractive signs combine a logo- produced graphic of the columbine, Colorado's for state flower, with the name of the Frontier Pathways. byway, Frontier Pathways. The signs identify all byway direction changes, as The Colorado Historical Society- well as starting and ending points. Colorado Department of Transportation interpretive marker program has been Tourist-Oriented Directional Signage adopted as the interpretive sign option. Tourist-oriented directional signage is Sign design and construction standards one method of providing limited outdoor were developed for use as bid advertising along the Frontier Pathways. documents. Specific types and locations These signs are of uniform size and of all interpretive signs have been color with white letters on a blue developed. background. A business owner pays for Outdoor Advertising Controls the cost of the sign, sign installation and annual maintenance fees. Designation as the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway and receipt of federal TE (Transportation Enhancement) funding require compliance with outdoor advertising controls that apply to scenic byways on federal-aid roads. No new off-premise business signage is allowed along the byway. Other means of outdoor advertising are available. In most cases, existing signs that do not comply do not need to be removed.

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TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC SAFETY - 12

The Byway is comprised of two-lane accidents occurred on the roadway and consisted primarily of rear-end, paved highway except for the segment broadside, turn approach, hitting fixed within Pueblo. All Colorado Department objects, sideswipes (same direction) and of Transportation rules and regulations rollovers. Seventy-three percent of the are incorporated by reference. accidents involved two cars. Seventy- Commercial Traffic nine percent of the accidents occurred during the daytime. Twenty-six percent Commercial traffic consists primarily of of the accidents occurred during adverse ranch, farm, business, and service weather conditions. industry vehicles. SH 96 carry a larger portion of ranch and farm commerce For 1995, the average annual daily trips traffic between the Wet Mountain were 650 vehicles. On Wednesday, July Valley, Pueblo and the Front Range. 24, 1996, a one-day count yielded 919 Except for Hardscrabble Canyon and vehicles. segments of SH 165, sight distances allow adequate passing distances or SH 165 from I-25 to SH 96: lanes. The designation of the byway in (McKenzie Junction) no way limits or restricts commercial During the same sample period, 59 traffic. Farming and ranching are accidents occurred on SH 165, between historic and present-day uses. They will 1-25 and SH 96 at McKenzie Junction. be interpreted as such. There were two fatal accidents, 28 Traffic Volumes injury accidents, and 29 accidents involving property damage only. About In the first nine months of 1997, the an equal number of accidents occurred Cuerno Verde Welcome Center on or off the roadway and consisted recorded 750,000 visitors, a very large primarily of hitting fixed objects and number. As a monitoring and evaluation rollovers. Seventy-six percent of the component of this corridor management accidents involved one car. About an plan. accident and volume records prior equal number of accidents occurred to byway signage and marking (Summer during daylight or nighttime. Forty- two 1996) will be compared with percent of the accidents occurred during information collected in the future. The adverse weather conditions. No intent is to assess how much byway locations on either SH 96 or SH 165 recognition results in increased volumes require immediate safety improvements. or accidents. Accident Records

SH 96-Pueblo to Westcliffe: During a 3-year sample period from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 1996 there were 842 accidents on SH 96 between Pueblo Westcliffe. There were 5 fatal accidents, 307 injury accidents and 530 accidents involving property damage only. The vast majority of the

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State Highway 165 Access Control and Highway Design Considerations for Pullouts Since highways 96 and 165 are state highways, access control is the management responsibility of the Colorado Department of Transportation (C-DOT). Figure 8, Byway Enhancement Objectives (see Section 9), identifies conceptual locations for scenic or interpretive pullouts. Several considerations are factored into pullout location and design including speed limits, site distances, the distance of separation from the road, right-of- way and land acquisition needs, types of vehicles and required turning radius. Maintenance Standards and Under C-DOT jurisdiction, no byway Responsibilities pullouts will be proposed that would State Highways 96 and 165 are create a safety hazard. maintained year-round by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Both Highway Design Standards and highways are maintained at the highest Conditions level or standard for Colorado State The following provides highway design Highways. The byway segment within standards and conditions for State Pueblo is maintained by the City of Highways 96 and 165 (Colorado Pueblo. SH 78 between Beulah and Department of Transportation, 1997). SH 165 (12 miles) is maintained by C-DOT. All spur or loop roads off the State Highway 96 Byway are maintained by either Custer or Pueblo Counties.

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INTERPRETIVE PLANNIN G APPROACH - 13 Overview Themes The planning approach provides the Themes are imperative to the framework used to develop interpretive interpretive planning process for the services for the interpretive master plan. Frontier Pathways. Themes are the The approach recommends plans for stories that drive the media and interpretive media, taking into account messages visitors will take home with the resources and the anticipated them. Themes verbalize the foundations audience. This approach also relies on of the byway, its’ history, natural the organization’s financial ability, resources and scenery, giving those operational procedures, site constraints elements continuity. Themes allow and staff capabilities, to implement Frontier Pathways visitors to make these recommendations. The approach connections between themselves and the identifies sites for interpretation. landscape. This includes tribal peoples, Objectives are site-specific. as well as, other ancestral Americans. Approach Theme 1- High Country Homesteading and Ranching 1. Inventory existing interpretive The landscape of high country media along the byway. homesteading and ranching paints a 2. Inventory existing byway sites (e.g., historical and cultural backdrop for pullouts, recreation attractions, byway visitors. Along SH 96 and the trails, points of interest). base of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains 3. Assess accessibility of each site lies a historic and cultural treasure, the (e.g., vehicular, seasonal and access 8,000 foot elevation, 40-mile long Wet for those with disabilities). Mountain Valley. This valley contains 4. Identify sensitive resource sites one of the most pristine collections of where visitors are not desired. ranches and farmsteads in the Rocky Mountain West. 5. Identify potentially appropriate sites for interpretive media. The earliest colonization in Colorado was attempted here. In March 1870, 350 6. Identify the potential audience German homesteaders settled in the visiting the byway. valley. Their effort at communal 7. Interpret theme(s) for the byway. homesteading failed, but many stayed as 8. Identify levels of staffing and traditional homesteaders. Their procedures for interpretive media descendants ranch and farm here today. operations or maintenance. The north end of the valley is comprised 9. Select appropriate media (e.g., of ranches and descendants of other personal services programs, such as settlers, many of English descent. staff-led walks, talks, or programs; Several magnificent ranch complexes, and non-personal services such as including the Pines and Beckwith wayside exhibits, brochures, audio Ranches, are visible from the corridor. and video tapes, and interpretive Along SH 165, the Byway passes centers). numerous old homesteads at elevations exceeding 9,500 feet. This is in sharp 10. Identify interpretive information contrast to the Arkansas Valley dissemination sites for non-site- settlements 15 miles east and the Wet specific media.

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Mountain Valley ranches 10 miles west. stagecoach routes and game trails to The Mingus Homestead, listed on the modern highways, the byway has been a National Register of Historic Places, is well-used route in and out of the an outstanding example of a high mountains of Southern Colorado. country homestead. The view across the Today's byway visitors can see signs of Pope Homestead is of the high valley to a variety of transportation routes. the plains of Colorado. The plains have Theme 4 -- Architecture and Materials changed little since the late 1800s. Many The various architectural materials and other homesteaders and settlers from styles used along the byway speak of its’ Europe were Italian. The Italian Busetti diverse culture and history. These homestead is located close to Wetmore. building elements have evolved with In fact, Italian Americans played a huge settlement in the region. The use of part in settling the area, as they often adobe, log, stone, brick and finished worked on the railroads and roads. wood, reflects the cultural landscape and Theme 2 - Recreation Planning and natural resources of specific times, Arthur H. Carhart settlers and locations. National recreation planning by the US Interpretation Opportunities Forest Service and other agencies began at San Isabel with the vision and early and Challenges efforts of Arthur H. Carhart. He was the Opportunities: first full-time landscape architect and 1. The organization's commitment to outdoor recreation planner employed by the US Forest Service. Carhart quality interpretive media is envisioned the automobile playing a substantial; it understands major role in the way people would interpretation and what it can and recreate in the future. cannot do for the Byway. In 1919, Carhart, was inspired by the 2. The Byway is a hidden treasure that scenic and historic resources in the remains as it was years ago. region. With the support of Forest Supervisor Hamel and the San Isabel 3. The Wet Mountain Valley and Recreation Association, Carhart planned Greenhorn Valley are very different the first integrated US Forest Service historically, geographically and recreation facility and road system in the visually, requiring different forms of Wet Mountains and Sangre De Cristo interpretation. Mountains including Alvarado Campground, Squirrel Creek 4. There are diverse sites and points of Campground, Florence Picnic Grounds interest to interpret along the and 19 others. corridor. Theme 3 --Transportation Development 5. The Byway includes a number of Transportation along the corridor has cultural and natural resources, as been a reflection of the times and the well as scenic elements. ingenuity of those who traveled the 6. There are numerous potential sites byway, called it home and now visit the for interpretation. byway for pleasure. The name Frontier Pathways embodies the concept of Challenges: transportation. From Native American 1. Interpretive media could be pathways, Spanish trails, trappers, intrusive at certain locations. 2. The Byway has three gateways, making it difficult to develop sequential media, such as an audio tape that follows the route or numbered stops at points of interest.

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Phase 2 of the interpretive planning process identifies interpretive priorities. These include: • Interpretive panels: Low profile, 36 in x 24 in. wayside exhibits • Three-panel free -standing kiosks: Outdoor structures that house 36 in. x 48 in. wayside exhibits • Interior exhibits: Exhibits that blend with existing exhibits and use interactive elements • Loop tour brochures: Stop-by-stop interpretive stories of each loop • Radio Messages: 2-6-minute audio presentations using storytellers and sound effects • Activity book: Interactive, 36-page booklet designed to involve children and families with their physical environments through activities that encourage interaction and discovery. • A weekend radio segment “Sights and Sounds of Custer County” on regional PBS radio stations, featuring various aspects of the Corridor and related stories and experiences. These could include audio images that visitors and residents can relate to, such as mountain lion sightings, the howling of coyotes, the buzz of hummingbirds, the clip-clop of Amish horses, the bugling of elk, the joy of newborn calves, colorful of fields of wild-flowers, a full moon over the Sangres and many others. • Enlist related short stories and photos for the Byway website

Table 1 provides a site description, media topics and graphic possibilities for Phase 2 projects. See pages 33-35.

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Table 1. Phase 2 Interpretive Media Recommendations

Site Name Site Description Media Topics for Media Graphics Possibilities Recommendation Pueblo National Historic District, Six-minute radio • Fort Pueblo, its role in early Including Union Ave, El Pueblo Museum Message in Pueblo settlement, and other stories and other historic locations • Union Avenue • Special Events • Welcome to Museum and Byway Historic Arkansas Historic Arkansas Riverwalk Project Two interpretive panels • Arkansas River as travel corridor, • Line art of early travelers on river in Riverwalk Project (HARP) is a 4-block section along the along HARP section Native American, Early Euro- canoe river in historic Pueblo, connecting to Americans • Line art of interior of fort and traders 35 miles of hiking / biking trails along • Fort Pueblo and its role in early the Arkansas River settlement Driving Tour of Historic Driving tour of historic • Introduction to the Byway • Line art to be determined; historical Pueblo Pueblo buildings • History of Pueblo photographs • Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway Victoria Plaza Three interpretive panels • Introduction to the Byway • Map with You Are Here, scenic (HARP) • History of Pueblo photographs, wildlife drawings • Frontier Pathways Scenic and • Historic photographs of Pueblo Historic Byway • Photographs of scenery, historic structures and recreation Greenway and Nature Center operated by University of One interpretive panel • Invitation to travel and byway and • Map and wildlife photographs Pueblo Nature Center Southern Colorado on the bank of the wildlife viewing opportunities Arkansas River; Includes a visitor center, raptor rehabilitation center, hiking trails and a café Pueblo State Recreation Pueblo State Recreation Area is a State Three interior exhibits • Introduction to the byway • Map with You Are Here, scenic Area Park with a visitor center, hiking trails, • Along the byway (photographs of photographs, wildlife drawings camping and water recreation. scenery, historic structures and • Historical photographs of structures recreation) and recreation • Travel through the area before the • Early travel photographs reservoir Half-Way House Stage A stage stop at top of Jackson Hill, 1,000 Two interpretive Panels Transportation hardships in the early • Photograph of stage and stage stop Stop (Jackson Hill) feet above the plains with its half-way mining and settlement days • Photograph of stage stop interior or house and stables at the old Matthew • Stage stop interior, meals and copy of bill of fare and prices Kinkead Ranch; is near the old accommodations community of Wetmore

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Site Name Site Description Media Topics for Media Graphics Possibilities Recommendation Wetmore / Hardscrabble Driving tour of Wetmore / • Historic Wetmore • Historic photographs and line art Hardscrabble • Florence, Fort Pueblo • Old homesteads • Ranching, Fort deDuc • Hardscrabble Settlement • Hardscrabble Park • Wildlife viewing Hardscrabble Wildlife Utilize an existing turnout with Two Interpretive • Mtn. sheep, deer, elk, bears • Wildlife photographs, line art of tracks Viewing Area adequate line-of-sight; Colorado panels • Birds of prey tactile wayside with and scat Division of Wildlife is a partner in this notebook pages • Seasonally changeable notebook site located in Hardscrabble Canyon interactive with full-color art Westcliffe Located at the base of the Sangre De Two interpretive • Life in an early Colorado mining Cristo Range in the Wet Mountain panels town Valley; early visitors including Zebulon • Children’s life in early Westcliffe Pike and John C. Fremont, use the existing Westcliffe Visitor Center located at the All Aboard Westcliffe Three-panel kiosk • Introduction to the Byway • Map with You Are Here , scenic • Mining operations in the 1880s photographs and wildlife • Frontier Pathways Scenic and • Photographs of mining and miners Historic Byway • Photographs of scenery, historic structures and recreation Loop tour brochure • Westcliffe and Silver Cliff • Historic photographs and line art • 1870 German Colony / cemetery • Homesteads and ranching • Schoolhouses • Wildlife viewing Augusta and In rolling, semi-open country along Two interpretive • Early homesteading; self-reliance of • Historic photographs of homesteads Second Mace Highway 165; there are several panels homesteaders • Historical photographs of children in homesteads on the National Register • Children’s panel: life on a home- school and / or working and Historic area of Augusta and stead – education, chores and fun Second Mace

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Site Name Site Description Media Topics for Media Graphics Po ssibilities Recommendation Beulah An old CCC camp located in a wooded One interpretive • CCC program in this setting • Historical photograph of CCC Camp area where there are remains of a well panel and a preserved stone and log CCC Camp Lake San Isabel Lake San Isabel dates to the 1920s and Two interpretive • Carhart and his vision • Historical photograph of Carhart is among the earliest examples of the panels • Early recreation in this USFS area looking over a mountain scene Rocky Mountain tourism phenomenon • Historical photograph of vacationers brought about by the automobile; use at a campsite or cabin with an the USFS pullout at the top of the dam automobile Cuerno Verde Rest Are at I-25 and milepost #103 ; the Three-panel kiosk • Introduction to the Bservation • Map with “You Are Here”, scenic Welcome and southeastern end of the Byway; efforts photographs and wildlife Visitors Center contains sites, exhibits, restrooms, • Frontier Pathways Scenic and • Photographs of campground with cars vending machines and is a year-round Historic Byway and people facility • Photographs of scenery, historic structures and recreation Rye Loop tour brochure • Historic town of Rye • Line art and photographs at Rye • Homesteads and ranching • Lake San Isabel • Beulah and CCC • Greenback cutthroat trout • Wildlife viewing Cañon City Chamber of Commerce office One Interpretive • Introduction of the Byway with map, • Map with “You Are Here”, scenic panel scenic photographs and wildlife photographs and wildlife Trinidad Chamber of Commerce office One interpretive • Introduction the Byway with map, • Map with “You Are Here”, scenic panel scenic photographs and wildlife photographs and wildlife La Junta Chamber of Commerce office One interpretive • Introduction the Byway with map, • Map with “You Are Here”, scenic panel scenic photographs and wildlife photographs and wildlife

McKenzie Junction Crossroads One interpretive • Introduction of the Byway with map, • Map with “You Are Here”, scenic panel scenic photographs and wildlife photographs and wildlife

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TOURISM, MARKETING and PROMOTION OBJECTIVES - 14 Overview 4. US Forest Service developed recreation sites and trails Fundamental goals of the byway organization are balancing tourism and 5. Views of the Greenhorn Valley economic development with resource 6. Views of the Wet Mountain protection. Objectives for the tourist Valley and the Sangre De Cristo industry along the byway are: Mountains 1. Provide comprehensive visitor Tourism Development information 2. Increase expenditures of visitors Successful tourism development is a 3. Increase the length of stay for product of effective business, visitors government and visitor interaction. It is 4. Attract new visitors and a result of community leadership and expenditures through marketing cooperative planning between local, county, state and federal organizations. 5. Identify tourist-related business The byway mission statement speaks to development opportunities this. Visitors and residents will be the 6. Enhance the quality of visitor benefactors of the tourism effort. experiences Tourism links visitors with attractions, 7. Instill a sense of visitor ethics and activities and other byway qualities. responsibilities There are a number of opportunities and The following provides a strategy for challenges to tourism development byway tourism, marketing and along the corridor. promotion. Opportunities: Existing Attractions, 1. Frontier Pathways has two points of Activities and Events entry from Interstate 25, Pueblo and Marketing and promoting tourism begin Colorado City. The Byway links with an inventory of existing attractions, with a potentially large number of activities, events and services. This tourists. baseline inventory allows for informed 2. A combination of the corridor's decision-making regarding increases in quality scenic and historic intrinsic visitation and expenditures. A more values attracts a larger and more detailed inventory is found in the diverse user group than a byway Inventory and Assessment of Intrinsic with qualities in only one of these Qualities section. Significant attractions values. include: 3. The Wet Mountain Valley, not well

1. Union Avenue Historic District, known by many tourists, allows for El Pueblo Museum, Rosemont a strong market focus. Mansion Museum, Pueblo City Park and Zoo, Pueblo Nature 4. There is strong community support Center, and the Colorado State for byway designation. Fairgrounds-allocated in Pueblo 5. Though the summer tourism market 2. Pueblo State Recreation Area is much stronger than the winter, 3. Numerous historic sites and opportunities exist to strengthen the structures along the Byway and year-round attraction base. within byway communities Section 14– Tourism, Marketing and Promotional Objectives Page 36 of 53

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Challenges: 1. Frontier Pathways will be competing with other regional entities in capturing I-25 tourists. 2. There may be a concern by residents that increased tourism and promotion will result in unwanted growth or resource impacts.

Business and

Economic Development

Tourists bring dollars into local Frontier Pathways businesses and communities.

Existing businesses thrive and expand. New businesses emerge. The organization is working closely with local and regional chambers of commerce and economic development entities to promote appropriate private sector development. This process also provides a forum for discussing development issues as they pertain to the Byway.

Image Development

Image development for Frontier Pathways involves creating and using visual elements appropriate to the Byway. When used systematically, these elements such as logos, colors, materials and rock work, result in a sense of identity and continuity. Images will include logo graphics, signage, as well as visitor center and interpretive kiosks. Images will relate to visual characteristics and interpretive themes. Attractive and focused marketing materials will result in quality image development. Utilize the “Bike with Pike” logo and geo- cache marketing in a themed campaign to "Help Pike Get Home "

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Target Markets Target market groups for Frontier Target markets consist of groups who Pathways include: share common characteristics. 1. Scenic day and weekend visitors Marketing and promotion strategies will from the Denver, Boulder, Colorado be directed at these groups. Springs or Pueblo metropolitan Understanding the origins and areas. destinations of visitors, group sizes, numbers of overnight stays, visitor 2. Vacationing families and expenditures, repeat visitors and visitor individuals who have advance satisfaction, is critical to effective knowledge of the byway through marketing. Considering over 80 percent promotional information. of U.S. vacations involve car or 3. Vacationing families and recreational vehicle trips, knowledge of individuals who divert off I-25 due target markets is critical. to local promotion and interstate Byway visitor profile studies conducted signage in Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and 4. History enthusiasts visiting historic Iowa during 1995 and 1996, revealed sites, structures and routes. the following characteristics: 5. Visitors to the Colorado State Fair

1. Over 60% of visitors were between and special events at the State the ages of 45 and 64 Fairgrounds in Pueblo.

2. Over 80% of visitors had some level Promotional Strategies of college education Promotional strategies will be used as a

3. Over 60% of visitors earned more means of getting tourism information than $40,000 annually directly to target markets. Marketing

4. The average party size was 3.4 products will include advertising and persons interpretive materials, such as,

5. Average expenditures per person per brochures, booklets, as well as, audio day were $42.23 and video materials. Byway promotion Since many state and national byways also will be achieved through public have been designated, there are several relations efforts, such as, state highway detailed visitor profile, expenditure and map distribution, local newspaper retail sales studies. Refer to the 2009 stories, the Internet, hospitality training, Market Niche report and the 2008 speakers’ bureaus and familiarization Custer County Economic Development tours for local byway guides and travel Surveys on file. writers. Promotional strategies will provide enhancements to byway tourism, target markets and economic development .

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FUNDING and INVESTMENT STRATEGIES – 15

The Byway organization received an Colorado Initiative. This Initiative is FY 1996 TE (Transportation funded by the Colorado State Lottery Enhancement) grant of $140,400. Program for parks, recreation, open This was matched with $16,150 by space, wildlife and environmental the State Historical Fund (SHF) and education. As a 501-c3 non-profit $43,950 as the local cash match, for corporation, Frontier Pathways is a total of $200,500. Funded projects also eligible for funding from included : foundations and other entities that fund non-profits organizations. Corridor management plan $60,000 Interpretive products $55,000 Funding Objectives Pueblo Visitor Center $50,500 The organization established project Westcliffe Kiosk $10,000 and funding objectives for planning Wildlife Viewing Area $25,000 and implementation. Objectives Total $200,500 include: The Byway organization submitted an FY 1997 TE grant application, but 1. Planning did not receive funding. Funds were Corridor management and requested to: further study resource interpretive planning are the highest protection issues, refine the priorities. Goals have been established enhancement plan, prepare an prior to plan implementation. This operations and maintenance plan, maximizes financial and physical further implement the monitoring resources and redundancy is avoided. and evaluation program, analyze More importantly, issues and actions are safety issues, conduct interpretive prioritized based on informed decisions. center feasibility studies, reprint the 2. Marketing Materials byway brochure and booklet, complete the design and construction Interest in Frontier Pathways has increased because people see tangible of the Wet Mountain Valley Scenic products. Such examples include the Pullout, as well as acquire easements production of inexpensive, but quality, at the Half-Way House Stage Stop lure brochures, as well as a four-color and Beckwith Ranch. These projects high quality brochure. The state byway have been implemented as funding is columbine flower logo signs were available. installed for the Frontier Pathways in early 1997 and the Byway is now It is hoped that additional TE delineated on the official state highway funding will be available to assist map. with these and other projects. Other public and private funding may include grants from the Colorado Historical Society for historic-related projects and the Great Outdoors

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3. Partnership Development Partnerships are essential to the byway planning approach. Many funding sources are contingent on fixed processes and schedules. Funding opportunities and partnerships frequently present themselves prior to plan completion and must be acted on immediately. The Frontier Pathways organization has developed public- and private- sector partners. The organization is eager to develop new partnerships. 4. Enhancement Actions Enhancement actions, such as the construction of pullouts, occur as funding allows. Actions are based on the findings of this corridor management and interpretive plan, as well as an assessment of funding partnerships. 5. Resource Protection Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway, Inc. is working with federal, state, and local partners to sustain or enhance resource protection, along with historic sites and structures. Funding and Technical Assistance Partnerships Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway, Inc. has developed a number of funding partners at the federal, state, county, and community levels including the U.S. Forest Service, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Pueblo County, Custer County, the San Isabel Foundation, the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and the Valley Park and Recreation District, as well as others. Contingent on state and national designation, additional TE funding for Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway, Inc. may be available. As a National Scenic Byway, the organization would better diversify its funding support.

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MONITORING AND EVALUATION – 16

Byway Monitoring and Evaluation Program Overview The Frontier Pathways monitoring and evaluation program is an ongoing process of planning, implementing actions, evaluating their effectiveness and amending the plan as needed. As actions are completed, they are removed from the plan. Key aspects of the evaluation program are the effectiveness of marketing tactics and the ongoing protection of intrinsic resources. Before actions are taken, each marketing approach includes the identification of benchmarks for success. Limits of acceptable change are being developed for intrinsic values. Once an action is implemented, it is measured against its’ benchmark. If the action has been unsuccessful, corrective measures are taken, or the benchmark for success is reevaluated. Review Process An informal review process is ongoing and documented. As part of each Board of Directors quarterly meeting, a formal review process is used to evaluate the success of actions. If corrective actions are needed, the Board determines the needed action, responsibilities, costs and schedules. If the Board determines that public or agency comment is needed, this is facilitated. The plan is amended as necessary.

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ACTION PLAN – 17

Objective A federal entities, as well as other non- Establish a byway organization that profit organizations for project and fund can manage the Byway for the long- sharing. Partners help themselves by term, including the development of helping the Byway. FPSB Participants partnerships. Local participation is include: critical to the success of the Byway. • San Isabel, Palmer and other land Ongoing Action Items with BOD trusts • Responsibility US Forest Service Colorado Department of Transportation 1) The full BOD will meet quarterly and • CO Scenic and Historic Byways more frequently, as necessary. Commission • Colorado Division of Wildlife 2) Chairpersons will be appointed for • Colorado Division of Parks and the standing committees: (1) History, Outdoor Recreation (2) Interpretation, (3) Resource • Colorado State University/Department Protection and (4) Marketing. of Local Affairs Committees will meet on an ad hoc • Colorado Historical Society basis as necessary. The BOD and its’ • El Pueblo History Museum committees are responsible for • Great Outdoors Colorado management of the Byway. • Pueblo County • Pueblo Area Council of Governments 3) The BOD will solicit opinions, at • Pueblo least annually about ways to strengthen • Pueblo County Historical Society the board effectiveness. • Greater Pueblo Area Chamber of 4) The goal is to work towards a full Commerce board of 21 members. • Destination Pueblo • Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce 5) Additional partners will be invited to • Greenhorn Valley Chamber of participate in joint projects, as needed, Commerce appropriate and mutually beneficial. • Westcliffe, Silver Cliff, Colorado City, Rye, Beulah, Wetmore, City of Pueblo 6) Explore funding a part-time staff • person to assist in managing byway Hardscrabble-Wetmore Historical Society activities • Custer County 7) In 1998, the BOD will ask the • Custer County Tourism Board Friends of the Beckwith Ranch to be an • Custer County Historical & active partner in joint funding requests Genealogical Society where mutually beneficial. • Valley Parks & Recreation Youth Center, Inc. Completed Action Items • Custer County Chamber of Commerce 1) Identify and assemble an initial • Custer County Non-Profit byway organization. Completed -1994. Collaborative • All Aboard Westcliffe Museum 2) Formalize the byway organization by • Silver Cliff Museum in the Historical establishing a 501c-3 nonprofit Silver Cliff Town Hall and Fire House corporation and appoint a BOD. • Westcliffe Center for the Performing Completed-August 1995. Arts Custer County //Silver Cliff / Trails System 3) Develop and maintain relationships with municipal, county, state and

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Objective B Forest Service, the CO Division of Wildlife, CO Heritage Areas Program, FPSB will maintain an ongoing public and the San Isabel Foundation Land Trust, private sector partnership involvement Friends of the Beckwith Ranch and process that assures continual long- others. Timeframe-Ongoing. term representation of all byway stakeholders. Responsibility – BOD 5) The ED will update the mailing list and other identified partners below. of landowners along the Byway biannually, along with a phone and Action Items email address book. 1) Conduct at least 2 presentations a 6) Conduct a series of public meetings year to groups with byway interests, biannually or more frequently, if needed such as chambers of commerce, in the Greenhorn Valley area, Custer historical societies, clubs, non-profit County and Pueblo County. The BOD organizations and schools. The purpose will use input to revisit goals. of the presentations will be to acquaint Timeframe-Ongoing. groups with the goals and actions of the Organization to solicit their interest and 7) Complete an integrated Byway input. Presentation materials can Visitor Information and Interpretation include a slide show, the Byway Action Plan. Maintain and update as interpretive video, the 4-color brochure needed . and additional marketing materials. 8) Maintain and update contact database Timeframe- Ongoing. all public and private-sector organizations, entities, individuals and 2) The Executive Director (ED ) will landowners along the byway. produce an annual newsletter to inform byway stakeholders about goals and Completed Action Items actions. Timeframe – 2011. 1) Identify all public and private-sector 3) Solicit ongoing public involvement organizations, entities, individuals and through newspaper articles in the landowners along the Byway. Pueblo Chieftain, the Wet Mountain Completed-1998. Valley Tribune and the Greenhorn 2) Prepare a mailing list database. Valley News. Legal notices will be used Completed-May 1997. as appropriate. Pueblo radio and television coverage will be solicited. 3) Conduct initial public meetings along Email, website postings, networking, the byway route to introduce the along with online radio and TV station corridor management planning process. calendars and social media venues, will Completed-April 1994 through June also be utilized. Timeframe-Ongoing. 1997. 4) Network the byway public 4) Complete an integrated Byway involvement process with other Visitor Information and Interpretation organizations to increase public Action Plan. Completed-2000. exposure. Groups may include the US

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Planning Approach, Section 13). Objective C Completed-1998 . Support an ongoing effort to 3) Assess the use of tourist-oriented provide visitors with high quality directional signage (TODS Program) as services and attractions that are a means of advertising byway unique to the Byway. Economic businesses and minimizing the visual development, tourism, marketing intrusion of commercial signage. and promotion will aim to benefit Completed- 2006. this uniqueness. Partner with public Objective D and private-sector tourism providers. Develop and produce quality Facilitated by the BOD, ED and interpretive materials that enhance the Marketing Committee. byway visitor’s experience. These Action Items materials should be provocative, 1A) Update the Byway’s website to act emotive, educational and entertaining. as the most complete and current visitor Facilitated by the Interpretation services tool. Supplement the website Committee. with a byway fact sheet and other Action Items printable version handouts which 1) Develop, print and distribute an plainly display key phone numbers and interim 4-color brochure for use by website addresses, to assist byway visitors until the comprehensive 4-color visitors. The Custer Chamber of brochure is finished. Timeframe-May Commerce Visitor Guide and Pueblo 1998. Chamber Guide will be utilized, as well 2) Prepare a 48-page interpretive as supplemental handouts prepared for booklet that provides detailed the remaining sections of the Byway. descriptions of the Byway's intrinsic All printed material will encourage resources and interpretive themes. visitors to utilize the website, whenever Timeframe- possible, to work towards a “green”, less paper oriented marketing strategy. 3) Develop and produce 500 copies of Review and update handouts as needed. an audio-tape interpreting the Byway Timeframe-2012, then ongoing. route. Distribution points include the El Pueblo Museum, Cuerno Verde Welcome Center and the All Aboard 3Timeframe-1998. Conduct an Westcliffe Interpretive Center. inventory of visitor services and Timeframe May attractions. Revise in 2011, then update 4) Develop a videotape documenting annually. the byway's resources. Though the . video is targeted for visitors, it will also Completed Action Items be used for internal marketing for byway partners and stakeholders. 1) Conduct an inventory of visitor Timeframe-July1998. services and attractions. Completed- 1997 . 5) Develop an interactive CD-ROM kiosk at the El Pueblo Museum that 2) Prepare a high quality 4-color details byway resources, attractions, brochure that describes and graphically amenities and directions. Timeframe- depicts the Byway (see brochure November 1998. discussion under the Interpretive

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6) Develop and construct a byway 9) Initiate feasibility study for the interpretive display on the El Pueblo Arthur H Carhart Interpretive Center. Plaza The structure will have three Completed-2002. panels and include an overhead cover Objective E and lights. Timeframe-June 1998. Design and build interpretive sites, 7) Annually, monitor all interpretive stations, pullouts and signage to media in terms of effectiveness and enhance visitor knowledge, durability and update or take corrective appreciation and enjoyment of the actions, while updating technology to Byway . Facilitated by the BOD and handheld devices, portable flash drives, Interpretation Committee. blue ray disc and other media. Timeframe-Ongoing . 8) feasibility Action Items studies for the Arthur H Carhart 1) Construct and operate an indoor- Interpretive Center and High Country outdoor byway information center at the Nature Center Timeframe- , then El Pueblo Museum in Pueblo, the ongoing. northern Interstate 25 access point. Update the CD-ROM kiosk to reflect 9) Completed Action Items current seasons and activities. 2) In 1) Prepare an interpretive planning partnership with the US Forest Service, strategy for the Byway. Completed- Pueblo County Historical Society, 2000. Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pueblo, build the Arthur H. 2) Develop, print and distribute an Carhart Interpretive Center. The center interim 4-color brochure for use by honors Carhart, the first landscape visitors until the comprehensive 4-color architect and outdoor recreation planner brochure is finished. Completed 1997. employed by the US Forest Service. He 3) Develop and produce an audio-tape was also the founder of the US Forest interpreting the byway route. Service wilderness preservation system. Distribution points include the El The center interprets the impact Carhart Pueblo Museum, Cuerno Verde had on early recreational planning along Welcome Center and the All Aboard the Byway and in the nation (1919). Westcliffe Interpretive Center. Carhart recognized and planned Completed-1998. recreational driving routes (portions of SH 165, 78, and 96). His concepts 4) Produce a videotape documenting the would become a national blueprint for byway's resources. Completed-2003. driving for recreation. 5) Prepare a 48-page interpretive 3) Develop a computer station at the All booklet that provides detailed Aboard Westcliffe Museum. Timeframe descriptions of the Byway's intrinsic – 2010. resources and interpretive themes. Completed- 1998. 4) Investigate, develop and interpret a Half-Way House Stage-Stop pullout on 7) Develop an interactive CD-ROM SH 96. Partners will include the kiosk at the El Pueblo Museum that Colorado Department of Transportation, details byway resources, attractions, the Colorado Historical Society, the amenities, and directions. Completed- Custer County Historical & 1998 Genealogical Society and Custer County. Timeframe-Ongoing. 8)

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5) Develop the Big Horn Sheep Committee, the Colorado Department Wildlife Viewing Area along SH 96 in of Transportation, the Colorado Hardscrabble Canyon. This project will Historical Society, the Fremont-Custer be developed in cooperation with the County Historical Society, and the San Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Isabel Foundation. The project will be U.S. Forest Service. Other animals such divided into 2 phases; Phase 1 will as deer and beaver also may be viewed. include funding acquisition and This site also provides interpretive interpretive panel design Phase 2 will opportunities for geology and natural entail site construction. Timeframe- systems . Update with additional 2000. interpretive signage. Investigate the possibility of self-contained restrooms. 9) Investigate, plan and develop the Timeframe-Ongoing. High Country Nature Center. The Nature Center would 6) Develop the Sangre De Cristo-Wet likely be developed along SH 165 in Mountain Valley Scenic Overlook. the Wet Mountains, known for their Partners will include the Colorado diversity in both flora and fauna. Department of Transportation, Custer Interpretive displays will include County, and the Fremont-Custer County panels describing life zones, Historical Society. The project is ecosystems and biological themes. An divided into 3 phases; Phase 1 will interpretive trail will showcase the consist of site selection, acquisition, and important themes. Partners will likely preliminary design Phase 2 will include include the US Forest Service, site and interpretive design and Phase 3 Colorado Division of Wildlife, will consist of site construction. Colorado Natural Areas Program, Timeframe-2011. Colorado State University, University 7) Investigate and develop the Augusta- of Southern Colorado, Custer County Second Mace Homestead District 4-H and Great Outdoors Colorado. Interpretive Site on SH 165 at the The phases of the project will be: Mingus Homestead (National Register Phase 1 – market study and analysis of of Historic Places.) This area includes potential sites, Phase 2 - site selection several unique high country homesteads and funding, Phase 3 – design of site along the Greenhorn Highway that may and interpretive features and finally, be designated as a Colorado State or Phase 4- construction. Timeframe- National Historic District. Partners will Ongoing. include the US Forest Service, the 10) Along with the City and County of Colorado Department of Transportation, Pueblo and other partners, work to and the Colorado Historical Society The enhance the blighted western gateway project is divided into 3 phases; Phase 1 to the byway corridor along SH 96 will consist of site selection and from the Chain of Lakes to Pueblo funding; Phase 2 will consist of site and Boulevard. This will include the interpretive design; and Phase 3 will construction of one or more pull-offs consist of site construction. Timeframe- along the SH 96 near the historic On hold. Goodnight Barn, acquisition of an 8) Develop the Beckwith Ranch easement or purchase of the barn as complex interpretive marker as part of necessary, interpretation of the historic the Wet Mountain Valley Loop Tour barn and area and a study plan to via SH 69. The partnership would determine corridor enhancement needs include the BOD, the Friends of the for that stretch of the byway route. Beckwith Ranch, the Interpretation Timeframe-Ongoing.

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Completed Action Items 3 1) Development of the Cuerno Verde 4). Battle Interpretive Marker at the Cuerno Verde Rest Area at SH 165 and Interstate 25. Completed-June 1997. 2) Construct and operate an indoor- outdoor byway information center at the El Pueblo Museum in Pueblo. Update the CD-ROM kiosk to reflect current seasons and activities. Completed-2003.

3) Build the Arthur H. Carhart Interpretive Center. Construct a byway interpretive display on the Arthur H. Carhart Plaza. Completed-2003.

4) Implement the Big Horn Sheep Wildlife Viewing Area along SH 96 in , as well assed to protect scenic, Hardscrabble Canyon. Completed-2001. historic3)B Timeframe-December 1998. 5) Develop the Beckwith Ranch thats-2000.1-JanuaryCompleted- interpretive marker as part of the Wet 1998.3)Completed- 2000. Mountain Valley Loop Tour via SH 69. , Byway. Colorado Cattlemen’s Completed-2004. Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) . . 1) the Colorado Department of History Museum 5) Through periodic Transportationolorado2) Timeframe-.3) conservation workshops, identify 4) 5) 6) changes or needed improvements in corridor physical, social and biological 7) Coordinate Timeframe. qualities. Engage partners and potential 8) partners in the process. Timeframe- every three years or as needed. 9) Timeframe 6S 10) Educate and remind local governments that new billboards are not 2) Conducted 2-day scenic byway permitted along the Byway. Timeframe conservation workshop that included a – ongoing. corridor tour, expert testimony and 1) BCompleted-19972) , cod. training for BOD members and partners. Completed-2008.

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